Trinidad, Julia Alessandra

AB IDS LangLit

Dreamweavers
By Marjorie Evasco (1997)

Women's voices have found a platform in contemporary writing, which has also
helped highlight various viewpoints. Men started reviewing women's books when written
works began to take on a female perspective during the 18th century. Hence, society
frequently ignored the idea of having female writers because of their inferior status in a
male-dominated society.

The bias against female writers still exists, even though they have gained more
appreciation and respect since the 19th century. There is little question that throughout
the early years of literature's establishment in the nation, Filipina writers likewise
endured the same treatment.

The concept of gender equality was already prevalent in the Philippines before
the Spanish invasion in 1521. However, the Spanish molded Filipinas into being humble
and subservient people. Because of this, women were supposed to conduct themselves
in a way that resembled Maria Clara: modest, humble, and a picture of virtue.

Before Isabella II of Spain opened the path for Education Degrees in 1863, 300
years of colonialism had taken place. It stipulated that each municipality shall have two
elementary schools that are run by the municipal administration and serve all pupils,
regardless of gender.

Throughout the later decades of contemporary Philippine literature, which span

from the 1960s to the 1980s, feminism has captured the attention of Filipino authors.
Their efforts broke the traditional and stereotypical view of Filipina women as matriarchs
and historical figures. Reading books with prohibited issues like divorce or separation
from ex-husbands, sexual experimentation, abortion, and childless marriages was seen
Trinidad, Julia Alessandra
AB IDS LangLit

by some women as a breath of fresh air because it was so different from what was
previously taught and practiced by Filipinas.

Marjorie Evasco is one example of a female pioneer in Philippine literature.

Some of her notable works, according to an article from Asian American Writers'
Workshop, have received National Book Awards from the Manila Critics Circle. It
includes "Dreamweavers (1997)," a poem about her aunt who wanted to become a
dentist but was forced to stay home and lead a modest life due to gender norms.

The poems in Dreamweaver, a book of poetry for women, reflect Marj Evasco's
perspective as a woman. But, as they are the sons of women, men can relate to their
moms' voices, sentiments, passions, and angsts in this book.

Marjorie now plays the part of a Dreamweaver, gathering the aspirations of

voiceless women and incorporating them into the intricate tapestry of poetry. After the
widely acclaimed Ochre Tones, the name of her second poetry collection would be
inspired by the title Dreamweaver (1997).

Her poetry also exhibits feminist views. For instance, she wrote in her poem
Caravan of the Waterbearers, "We have been schooled / to look away too frequently /
when man's flesh, muscle, bone, / knifed woman, to protect / the child's eye from the
dust," on how we have become numb to violence.

Evasco was a founder of Women in Writers Engaged in Building Cultural

Alternatives, staying true to her advocacy. The organization seeks to destroy the forces
that keep these women silent by empowering women via writing.